Coffee average prices surge to a year high of $244.44 per 50kg in yesterday’s auction as compared to last week’s $214.68 marking a 14% increase, fueled by increased coffee quality witnessed in the market. Similar prices were witnessed last in February, 2015.

Grade AA rose from an average of $265.75 last week to $314.37 this week, while grade AB moved from $225.10 to $246.78

New Ngariama FCS, Kamwangi Factory from Gichugu in Kirinyaga, posted the highest price at $566 per 50kg for its AA grade of 133 60kg bags followed closely by Nyeri's Barichu FCS, Gatomboya Factory in Karatina at $ 534 for 153 60kg bags. Ngunguru Factory of Tekangu FCS in Karatina also was third with a $533 for its 54 bags.

These prices come at a time when the international prices have plummeted to a two-year low (see an earlier story before this) indicating that quality is an important factor in pricing!